Sheet feed controlling means



Dec. 11, 1962 B. GAMBLE 3,067,856

SHEET FEED CONTROLLING MEANS Filed Nov. 14, 1958 FIG. 1

9 Sheets-Sheet 1 ENAMEL BAKING OVEN COATING MACHINE FIG- 2 7 1 MAGNETIC17 o 10 0 06 1s t 17 15 INVENTOR FIG- 3 BURTON L. GAMBLE ATTORNEYS Dec.11, 1962 B. L. GAMBLE SHEET FEED CONTROLLING 9 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Nov.14, 1958 FIG. 4

mvcn'ron BURTON L. GAMBLE Dec. 11, 1962' B. L. GAMBLE 3,067,856

SHEET FEED CONTROLLING MEANS Filed NOV. 14, 1958 9 Sheets-Sheet 3 FIG- 6A5 FIG. 9

I L 24 l FIG- 12 INVENTOR BURTON L. GAMBLE.

ATTORNEYS Dec. 11, 1962 B. L. GAMBLE 3,067,856

SHEET FEED CONTROLLING MEANS Filed NOV. 14, 1958 9 Sheets-Sheet 4 FIG. 7

INVENTOR g BURTON L. GAMBLE ATTORNEYS Dec. 11, 1962 B. L. GAMBLE3,067,856

SHEET FEED CONTROLLING MEANS Filed NOV. 14, l958 9 Sheets-Sheet 5 FIG.10

FIG- 1 1 INVENTOR BURTON L. GAMBLE Dec. 11, 1962 B. 1.. GAMBLE 3,067,856

SHEET FEED CONTROLLING MEANS Filed NOV. 14, 1958 9 Sheets-Sheet 6 FIG.13

/./49 FIG. 14

I E i 127 152 i J 138 1153 1 1 0 6 125 o 1 I 130 124 E 1*}:;;il I29INVENIV/OR I L BURTON 1.. dAMBLE RNEYS Dec. 11, 1962 B. L. GAMBLE3,067,856

SHEET FEED CONTROLLING MEANS Filed-Nov. 14, 1958 9 Sheets-Sheet 7 FIG-17 FIG- 18 4 128 b V (-135 f I Al L FIG. 16

INVENTOR BURTON L. GAMBLE Dec. 11, 1962 B. L. GAMBLE 3,067,856

SHEET FEED CONTROLLING MEANS Filed Nov. 14, 1958 '9 Sheets-Sheet s Dec.11, 1962 B. L. GAMBLE 3,067,856

SHEET FEED CONTROLLING MEANS Filed NOV. 14, 1958 9 Sheets-Sheet 9 FIG-24 i I l 25 INVE NTOR BURTON- L. GAMBLE 221 5 AT RNEYS United StatesPatent 3,067,856 Sl-EET FEED CONTRGLLING MEANS Burton L. Gamble,Hinsdale, Ill., assignor to Continental Can Company, inc, New York,N.Y., a corporation of New York Filed Nov. 14, 1958, Ser. No. 774,000 11Claims. (Cl. 198-102) The invention relates generally to the art ofmanufacturing cans and primarily seeks to provide novel means forquickly stopping the movement of coated sheets as they pass from feedmeans or" a sheet coating machine and are engaged by a conveyor for abaking oven.

In the making of can bodies which are provided with an internal lining,the can bodies are formed from sheets which have been previously coatedon one side. In order to facilitate the coating of such sheets, thesheets are first passed through a sheet coating machine and are then fedfrom the sheet coating machine on a feed conveyor. In order that theproduction of the sheet coating machine may be a maximum, the rate offeed of the sheets is relatively high.

After the sheets have had the coating material applied thereto, it isnecessary that they be passed into an oven. At the present time coatedsheets are passed through an oven by using wickets which first tilt thesheets from a generally horizontal position to a generally upstandingposition and then feed the sheets through the oven. In order that thesheets may be engaged by the wickets of the oven feed, it is necessarythat the sheets be substantially stopped when engaged by the wickets.The proper control of the feeding of the sheets into position forengagement by the wickets is a problem.

In the feeding of sheets from the sheet coating machine to the ovenfeed, if the sheets are fed too fast and run into the support bar of thewicket, the leading edge of the sheet becomes damaged and the sheet mustbe discarded. On the other hand, if the sheet is fed too slowly, thesheet does not fully enter the wicket and may be damaged in this manner.Further, there is the possibility that the sheet will not pass into theoven and thus cause a jam.

An object of the invention is to provide a novel apparatus of thecharacter stated including a sheet feeding table which receives sheetsfrom the sheet coating ma chine, feeds and supports such sheets forengagement by wickets of the oven feed; the feed table being providedwith brake means which are of such a nature whereby they cause rapiddeceleration of the sheets so that the sheets are substantially stoppedwhen engaged by the wickets and such brake means being of such a naturewhereby at the time the sheets are engaged by the wickets to be liftedthereby, the sheets are substantially released by the brake means sothat no undesired force is required on the part of the wickets to removethe sheets from the feed table.

Another object of this invention is to provide an imroved feed mechanismfor feeding sheets rapidly from a sheet coating machine in a generallyhorizontal position and through an oven in a generally upstandingposition, the sheet feeding means including a first conveyor for movingsheets in processional order and in spaced relation in a generallyhorizontal plane, releasing the sheets from the first feed means andapplying a retarding force on the sheets to rapidly decelerate thesheets, and then releasing the sheets prior to engagement by a secondfeed means which includes wickets swinging about a horizontal axis sothat the wickets engage the relatively stopped and released sheets andlift and tilt the sheets for movement through an oven.

Another object of the invention is to provide a feed mechanism forfeeding sheets rapidly from a sheet coating machine into an oven whereinthe sheets are rotated from a generally horizontal position to agenerally upstanding position, the feed mechanism including a brakemechanism of the type which incorporates a sheet support in the form ofa table, the table having mounted therein permanent magnets which placea retarding force on the sheets as they pass thereover, and there beingassociated with the permanent magnets compressed air jets which areactuated in timed relation to the engagement of the relativelystationary sheets by wickets of a second feed conveyor so that therestraining forces of the magnets on the sheets are substantiallyremoved and the wickets may remove sheets from the sheet support withoutundue resistance.

Another object of this invention is to provide'an improved brakingmechanism to be positioned between two feed conveyors whereby a sheetmay be rapidly fed by a first feed conveyor and is then suddenlydecelerated prior to engagement by the second feed conveyor, the brakemechanism including a supporting plate in the form of a feed table,there being incorporated in the plate permanent magnets for placing aretarding force on a sheet moving thereover to rapidly decelerate thesheet, and the plate being so mounted whereby once a sheet is inoverlying position for engagement by the second feed conveyor, the sheetis elevated above the magnets so as to reduce to a minimum the retardingforce of the effect of the magnets on the sheet whereby the sheet may bemoved by the second feed means with a minimum of resistance.

A further object of this invention is to provide an improved brakemechanism to be used in conjunction'with a feed system of the type whichrequires that sheets being fed be rapidly decelerated prior to theengagement by a second feed conveyor, the brake mechanism including astationary feed table having mounted therein suction cups, the suctioncups being communicated with a vacuum source by means of a valve whichis so controlled whereby the vacuum is produced in timed sequence to thefeeding of a sheet over the suction cups, and there being provided meansfor momentarily elevating the suction cups when the sheet is inoverlying relation so that the suction cups project above the feed tableand the desired suction between the suction cups and the sheet isobtained.

A still further object of this invention is to provide in an apparatusof the character stated a novel brake mechanism for sheets which Willaccomplish the rapid deceleration of sheets being fed at a rapid rate,the brake mechanism including a pair of retarders disposed in opposedrelation and adapted to engage opposite side edges of a sheet fedtherebetween, and there being provided a mechanism for moving theretarders together in timed relation to the positioning of a sheettherebetween and for releasing the retarders in timed relation to theengagement of the sheets by a second feed mechanism.

With the above and other objects in view that will hereinafter appear,the nature of the invention will be more clearly understood by followingthe detailed description, the appended claims, and the numerous viewsillustrated in the accompanying drawings.

In the drawings:

- FIGURE 1 is a schematic elevational view illustrating the environmentin which the invention is utilized. 7

FIGURE 2 is a'plan view of the assembly of FIGURE 1 showing incooperation with the feed mechanism thereof a form of the inventionwherein the retarding force is provided by magnets.

FIGURE 3 is a view similar to FIGURE 2 and shows a form of the inventionwherein the retarding force is provided by means of a vacuum.

FIGURE .4 is a plan view of a first form of brake mechanism and showsthe specific details thereof including the relationship thereof withrespect to a wicket of the oven feed.

FIGURE 5 is a fragmentary elevational view of the brake mechanism ofFIGURE 4 and shows the manner in which a plate of the feed table of thebrake mechanism is elevated to remove a sheet resting thereonsubstantially in the range of the retarding force of the brakemechanism.

FIGURE 6 is a fragmentary sectional view taken substantially upon theplane indicated by the section line 6-6 of FIGURE 4 and shows the mannerin which compressed air is supplied in timed sequence to air nozzles forthe purpose of lifting a sheet resting on the feed table in overlyingrelation to retaining magnets thereof for eliminating the magneticretarding force of the magnets on the sheet.

FIGURE 7 is a plan view similar to FIGURE 4 and shows a second form ofbrake mechanism including the positioning of a wicket relative thereto.

FIGURE 8 is a fragmentary side elevational view of the brake mechanismof FIGURE 7 with parts broken away and shows the manner in which magnetsat side areas of the brake mechanism are mounted for retraction belowthe feed table of the brake mechanism so as to release a sheet lying onthe feed table from the magnetic force of the magnets.

FIGURE 9 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view taken on theline 9--9 of FIGURE 7 and shows the modified form of valve mechanism forproviding air jets through the feed table and beneath a sheet lyingthereon for the purpose of elevating the sheet relative to the magnets.

FIGURE 10 is a plan view of a third form of brake mechanism and showsthe specific details of retarders thereof which are disposed in opposedrelation for engaging opposite side edges of a sheet.

FIGURE 11 is a side elevational view of the brake mechanism of FIGURE 10with portions broken away and shows generally the details for operatingthe retarders.

FIGURE 12 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken on the line12--12 of FIGURE 10 and shows the specific cross section of the sheetengaging portion of one of the retarders.

FIGURE 13 is an enlarged plan view of the central portion only ofanother form of brake mechanism and shows the specific arrangement ofsuction cups in the feed table thereof.

FIGURE 14 is an enlarged fragmentary side elevation view of the brakemechanism of FIGURE 13 and shows the specific details of the operatingmechanism thereof.

FIGURE 15 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken along the line15 -15 of FIGURE 14 and shows the specific details of one of the suctioncups.

FIGURE 16 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken along the line1616 of FIGURE 14 and shows the specific details of the operatingmechanism of the brake mechanism for effecting the timed elevation ofthe suction cups thereof.

FIGURE 17 is an enlarged plan view of a side portion of a brakemechanism corresponding to the central portion of FIGURE 13.

FIGURE 18 is an enlarged elevational view of the brake mechanism ofFIGURE 17 and shows the specific details of the operating mechanismthereof.

FIGURE 19 is an enlarged plan view of a central portion of another formof brake mechanism and showing the arrangement of fixed magnets withrespect to a feed table portion of the brake mechanism.

FIGURE 20 is an elevational view of the brake mechanism of FIGURE 19 andshows certain of the details of the operating mechanism thereof.

FIGURE 21 is a fragmentary transverse vertical sectional view takenalong the line 21-21 of FIGURE 20 and shows the specific details of themechanism for retracting magnets of the brake mechanism to positionsbelow the feed table thereof whereby the magnets are rendered relativelyineffective.

FIGURE 22 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken along the line2222 of FIGURE 19 and shows the manner in which a magnet is adjustablymounted on a support plate therefor.

FIGURE 23 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken along the line2323 of FIGURE 19 and shows the relationship between one of the magnetsand the feed table when the magnet is in an elevated position.

FIGURE 24 is an enlarged fragmentary plan view of the side portion of abrake mechanism corresponding to the brake mechanism of FIGURE 19 andshows the gen eral arrangement of the components thereof.

FIGURE 25 is a longitudinal sectional view taken through the brakemechanism of FIGURE 24 along the line 25-25 and shows the means forraising and lowering the magnets in timed relation.

FIGURE 26 is a transverse sectional view taken along the line 26-26 ofFIGURE 24 and shows further the relationship of the various componentsof the brake mechanism.

The general environment of the invention is best illustrated in FIGURES1, 2 and 3 of the drawings. In the customary manufacture of can bodieshaving coated interiors, there are first provided coated sheets of thedesired sizes. In order to apply the coating to these sheets the sheetsare passed through a coating machine 5 and are fed therefrom by means ofa sheet feeder 6 which will be considered a first conveyor. After thesheets have been provided with the desired coating, it is necessary thatthe sheets pass through a baking oven 7. The baking oven 7 is providedwith feed means in the form of a second conveyor 8. The second conveyor8 is a special conveyor in that it is formed by a plurality of wickets9, which wickets are carried by transversely spaced conveyor chains 10passing over suitable sprockets 12. The sprockets 12 are in turn mountedon transverse horizontal shafts, such as the shaft 11. The conveyor 8 isof such a nature whereby the wickets 9 pass about the axis of the shaft11 and when in a generally horizontal position, will lift and turn acoated sheet from a generally horizontal position to an upstandingposition. Such sheets are then passed through the baking oven in ahorizontal run 13 of the conveyor 8. The horizontal run 13 is disposeduppermost and the wickets returned in a second horizontal run 14 whichis disposed lowermost.

The necessity of providing the coated sheets in quantity results in thecoated sheets being fed through the coating machine at a very high rate.Thus the coated sheets are fed from the coating machine by the sheetfeeder 6 at a high rate. Inasmuch as the coated sheets are immediatelypassed into the baking oven by being fed onto the conveyor 8, it will bereadily apparent that it will be necessary to suddenly decelerate thesheets in order that they may stop their horizontal travel prior toengagement by the wickets 9 in order that they may be properly picked upby the wickets 9 and transported through the baking oven 7. Furthermore,the coated sheets must be fed between the sheet feeder 6 and theconveyor 8 in timed relation. If the sheets are fed too fast and too farinto the conveyor 8, the sheets will engage parts of the conveyor 8 anddamage the sheets. On the other hand, if the sheets are fed too slowinto the conveyor 8, they will not be properly engaged by the wickets 9and a jamming of the conveyor 8 will result.

Disposed intermediate the sheet feeder 6 and the conveyor 8 is a brakemechanism 15 which constitutes the invention, the brake mechanism beingof such a nature whereby the sheets, as they are fed by the sheet feeder6 toward the conveyor 8, will be decelerated so that the soeassehorizontal travel will have stopped by the time they are engaged by thewickets 9, and at the same time the sheets will be released by the brakemechanism so that they may be removed by the wickets 9.

In FIGURE 2 there is illustrated one form of the brake mechanism 15. Inthis form the force for decelerating the coated sheets is supplied by aplurality of magnets. The brake mechanism of FIGURE 2 is merely anexample of the numerous forms which the invention may take and includesa forward central brake assembly 16 and a pair of side rear brakeassemblies "'17.

In FIGURE 3 of the drawings, the magnetic brake mechanism 15 has beenreplaced by a brake mechanism 18 which operates on the principle ofapplying a suction to the coated sheets so as to retard its horizontalmovement. The brake mechanism 18 like the brake mechanism 15, includes acentral forward brake assembly 19 and a pair of rear side brakeassemblies 20.

At this time it is pointed out that in certain instances, particularlywhen narrow and relatively small sheets are being conveyed, only thecentral forward brake assemblies will be required. On the other hand,under certain circumstances only the rear side brake assemblies will berequired. In other instances, particularly where the sheets arerelatively large and of heavy gauge material, the entire brake mechanismwill be required. It is also pointed out at this time that one type ofbrake assembly may be used for the forward central brake assembly andanother type of brake assembly may be used for the rear side brakeassemblies. In other words, a brake mechanism may be formed of anydesired combination of magnetic and vacuum brake assemblies. It is to beunderstood, however, that in each instance the brake assemblies of abrake mechanism will be so spaced so as to clear the wickets 9. Thegeneral arrangements illustrated in FIG- URES 2 and 3 are examples ofsuch spacing.

In FIGURES 4, 5 and 6 there is illustrated a first form of theinvention. The relative position of this form of the invention withrespect to the coating machine and the oven has been, illustrated onlyby positioning a wicket 9 with respect to the invention in a positionfor engaging a sheet and a sheet receiving table 21 which will receivesheets from the sheet feeder 6. The form of the invention illustrated inthese figures is referred to in general by the reference numeral 22. Thebrake mechanism 22 includes a frame which is a continuation of the sheetfeeder 6. The frame includes a transverse channel memher 24 andlongitudinal frame members 25. The transverse channel member 24 supportsthe table 21 and the forward central brake assembly 26 of the brakemechanism 22.

The brake assembly 26 includes a generally triangular frame 27 whichsupports a generally triangular mounting plate 29 in which there isseated a plurality of permanent magnets 36}, the arrangement of thepermanent magnets 30 being best illustrated in FIGURE 4. The plate 29 isaligned with the plate 21 and functions as a temporary sheet supportprior to the engagement of the sheet by the wicket 9. As the coatedsheets pass on to the plate 29 the magnetic attraction of the magnets 36on the coated sheet will resist the horizontal sliding movement of thesheet over the plate 29 and serves to bring the sheet to a stop beforeit reaches the conveyor chains 10.

The magnetic attraction of the magnets 30 on the coated sheet will berelatively great and if it were necessary for the wickets 9 to overcomethis magnetic attraction in order to lift the sheet, then undue forcewould be applied on the wickets 9. Therefore, in order that the magneticattraction of the magnets 3t? on the coated sheet may be substantiallyovercome, there is provided a plurality of nozzles 51 which open throughthe plate 29, the nozzles 31 being carried by the plate 29. The generalarrangement of the nozzles 3-1 is best illustrated in FIGURE 4. Thenozzles are connected to a manifold 32, FIGURE 6, which is in turnconnected to a control valve 33 by means of piping 34. Also connected tothe control valve 33 is a compressed air supply line 35 which may beconnected to any convenient compressed air source.

Secured to the channel frame member 24 in underlying relation to theframe 27 are suitable mounting brackets 36 in which a transverse shaft37 is journaled. The shaft 37 is generally aligned with the valve 33which is supported by a pair of plates 38, the plates 38 also beingsecured to the channel frame member 24. Secured to the shaft 37 is apulley 39 over which there is entrained a drive belt 40 which willrotate the shaft 37 in timed relation to the actuation of both the sheetfeeder 6 and the conveyor 8. The drive belt 40 may be either connectedto a separate drive mechanism or to the drive mechanisms for the sheetfeeder 6 and the conveyor 8.

Secured to the shaft 37 for rotation therewith is a cam il with whichthere is engaged a roller type follower 42.. The follower 42 is part ofan actuating mechanism 43 for the valve 33.

The sequence of operation of the brake assembly 26 is that a coatedsheet is fed thereonto by the sheet feeder 6 with the magnets 30 of thebrake assembly 26 affecting the deceleration of the coated sheet. Thecoated sheet will be stopped in overlying relation to the brakemechanism 22 for engagement by the wicket 9. Immediately prior to thestopping of the coated sheet and the engagement of the coated sheet bythe wicket9, the cam 41 will actuate the valve 33 so as to supplycompressed air to the air nozzles 31. The air nozzles 31 will thendirect jet streams of air against the underside of tne coated sheet soas to elevate the coated sheet and overcome the magnetic attraction ofthe magnet St on the coated sheet. Thus the coated sheet may be removedfrom the brake assembly 26 by the wicket 9 without applying any undueforce on the wicket 9.

The brake mechanism 22 also includes rear side brake assemblies 44. Therear side brake assemblies 44, with the exception of being right andleft are identical. Accordingly, only one will be described in detail.Each rear side brake assembly 44 includes a frame 45 which is secured toboth the longitudinal frame member 25 adjacent thereto and to thechannel framemember 24. Overlying the frame 45 is a forward sheetsupport plate 4-6 and a rear sheet support plate 47. The sheet supportplates 46 and 47 are connected together by a transverse horizontal hinge48.

The sheet support plate 47 is provided with a cut-out 29. The cut-out 49provides clamps for a guide 5%. The guide Sit is a side guide for thecoated sheets to assure the proper alignment of the coated sheets on thebrake mechanism 22.

Underlying the central portion of the sheet supportplate 47 adjacent theguide 5d are suitable permanent magnets 52. The magnets 52 are securedto the frame 45 and supported thereby. Inasmuch as the sheet supportplate 47 normally directly overlies the permanent magnets 52, coatedsheets moving over the sheet support plate 57 will be affected by themagnetic attraction of the magnets 52 and this magnetic force thereonwill effect the deceleration of the coated sheets.

Disposed along opposite sides of the brake mechanism 22 is a basestructure 53 which may be part of the oven '7. Mounted on the basestructure 53 is an upright support 54 which extends beneath the sheetsupport plate 47. The support 54 carries a transverse shaft 55 on whichthere is mounted a pulley 56 over which there is entrained a drive belt57 which will be connected to a suitable drive mechanism whereby theshaft 55 will be rotated in timed relation to the operation of theconveyor 8. Mounted on the shaft 55 and driven by the pulley 55 is aneccentric 53 which has a follower 59. Connected to the follower 59 is anactuating rod 6% which is in turn connected by means of a swivel fitting61 to the underside of the sheet support plate 47.

7 The timing of the drive for the shaft 55' is such that as a coatedsheet moves into position on the sheet support plate 47, the eccentric58 will operate to move the sheet.

support plate 4-7 upwardly to its dotted line position of FIGURE 5 andthus elevate the sheet support plate 47 and the coated sheet overlyingit relative to the fixed magnets 52. This will substantially overcomethe magnetic attraction of the magnets 52 on the coated sheet so thatthe wicket 9 may lift the coated sheet from the support plate 47 with aminimum of effort.

The brake mechanism 22 has been illustrated as including the brakeassembly 26 and two brake assemblies 44. Depending upon the particularrequirements, the brake assembly 26 alone may be used or the two brakeassemblies 44- may be used. In other instances, particularly where thecoated sheet is relatively large and heavy, all three brake assemblieswill be used. It is to be understood that the brake assemblies 26 and 44will be provided with magnets which have the necessary retardingattraction on a coated sheet so as to stop the coated sheet in positionfor engagement with the wicket 9.

A second form of brake mechanism, referred to by the reference numeral62, is illustrated in FIGURES 7, 8 and 9. The brake mechanism 62includes a central forward brake assembly 63 and a pair of side rearbrake assemblies 64. The brake assemblies 63 and 64 are supported fromthe channel frame member 24 and the longitudinal frame members and arearranged so as to be closely adjacent, but out of alignment with thewicket 9 as it moves into a coated sheet engaging position.

The brake assembly 63 includes a generally triangular frame 65. Mountedin the upper part of the frame 65 is a plate 67. Carried by the plate 67is a plurality of permanent magnets 68 which correspond to the magnetsand may be similarly spaced. Underlying the plate 67 in spaced relationthereto is a second plate 69 which is also mounted within the frame 65.The plates 67 and 69 combine with the frame to form an air-tight chamber70.

The frame 65 is provided with an opening 71 there- I through which isaligned with a similar opening 7-2 in the channel frame member 24.Passing through the opening 72 and terminating in the opening 71 is acompressed air supply line 73 which may be connected to any desiredcompressed air source. Thus compressed air is maintained within thespace between the plates 67 and 69 at all times.

Formed in the upper part of the plate 67 is a plurality of air nozzles74 whose positions are best illustrated in FIGURE 7. The air nozzles 74open downwardly into air passages 76 which, in turn, open through thebottom of the plate 67 into the chamber 70.

Aligned with each of the air nozzles 74 is a fitting 77 which isthrcadedly seated in the plate 69. The fitting 77 is in the form of avalve guide for a valve stem 78 of a valve 79. There is a valve 79 foreach of the air nozzles 74 and the valve 79 is normally urged downwardlyby means of a spring 80 carried by the valve stem 78 so as to preventthe flow of air from the chamber 753 through the air nozzles 74. It isto be noted that the valve stems 78 extend down through the plate 69.

As is best shown in FIGURE 9, depending from the roar part of the frame65 is a hinge member 81 which in turn supports a plate 82 for pivotalmovement. The plate 82 underlies the plate 69 and engaged the lower endsof the valve stems 78.

Adjustably supported by the channel frame member 26 are mounted brackets83. The vertical position of the mounting brackets is maintained bymeans of adjusting screws 34 carried by a plate 86 underlying thechannel frame member 24. Supported by the mounting brackets 83 is atransverse shaft 87 which carries a pulley 8S. Entrained over the pulleyS8 is a drive belt 39 which will be connected to a suitable drive sourceto drive the shaft 87 in timed relation to the operation of the sheetfeed 6 and the conveyor 8. Also carried by the shaft 87 is a cam 90which is driven from the pulley 83. The end of the plate 82 remote fromthe hinge 31 rests upon the cam 90 and as the cam rotates, the plate 82is moved upwardly so as to move the valves 79 to open position wherebyair will pass from the chamber 70 through the air nozzles 74. The effectof the compressed air on the underside of a coated sheet overlying themagnets 63 will be to elevate the coated sheet and counteract themagnetic attraction of the magnets 68 on the coated sheet.

The brake assemblies 64 being identical, only one of the brakeassemblies will be described in detail. Each brake assembly 64 includesa frame 91 which is carried by its respective longitudinal frame member25 and the channel frame member 24. It is to be noted that the frame 91slopes upwardly and rearwardly so that a sheet support plate 92overlying the frame slopes upwardly and rearwardly, as is bestillustrated in FIGURE The sheet support plate 92 is provided with acut-out 93 so as to provide clearance for a side guide, such as a guide50, the guide being omitted, but being addable if desired.

Secured to the supporting base 53 and extending upwardly therefrom inunderlying relation to the central part of the sheet support plate 92 isa support 94. The support 94 carries a horizontal shaft 95 on whichthere is mounted a pulley 96. Entrained over the pulley 95 is a drivebelt 97 which serves to drive the pulley 96 in timed relation to theoperation of the conveyor 8. Carried by the shaft 95 and driven by thepulley 96 is an eccentric 98 which includes a follower 99 having asupport rod 100 extending upwardly therefrom. The support rod 106 is inturn pivotally connected by means of a transverse pivot pin 101 to asupporting frame 102. The supporting frame 102 is suitably guided by theframe 91 for vertical movement only. The support frame 102 carries aplurality of permanent magnets 103 which normally underlie the sheetsupport plate 92 and serve to attract coated sheets sliding along thesheet support plate 92. Once the horizontal movement of the coated sheethas been stopped by the magnetic attraction of the magnets 103 thereon,the action of the eccentric 98 is to lower the support frame 102 whichin turn moves the magnets 103 downwardly away from the sheet supportplate 92. The disposal of the magnets 103 remote from the coated sheetand the sheet support plate 92 will greatly diminish the magneticattraction on the coated sheet and thus permit the wicket 9 to freelylift the coated sheet from the sheet support plate 92.

In FIGURES 10, 11 and 12 there is illustrated another form of brakemechanism which is referred to in general by the reference numeral 3.04.The brake mechanism 1E4 includes a triangular frame 105 which is securedto the channel frame member 24 and is disposed in the central forwardpart of the brake mechanism 10d. The frame 105 serves as a forward sheetsupport. The frame 105, as illustrated, does not carry a brake assembly.However, while no brake assembly has been illustrated, any desirablebrake assembly may be used or the frame 105 may merely serve as a coatedsheet support.

The brake mechanism 104- also includes a pair of side brake assemblies1&6. Inasmuch as the side brake assemblies Th6 are identical, only oneof the brake assemblies will be described in detail.

The individual brake assembly 106 includes a supporting frame 107 whichis secured to the longitudinal frame member 25 adjacent it and thechannel frame member 24. Overlying the frame 107 is a sheet supportplate 108. The sheet support plate 108 is provided with a centralcut-out 1G9. Mounted within the cut-out 109 is a sheet retardingmechanism 110.

The sheet retarding mechanism 110 includes a support 111 extendingupwardly from the base member 53. Secured to the upper end of thesupport 111 is a horizontal track 112 in which there is mounted acarriage 113. The carriage 113 is mounted for guided sliding movement 9transversely of the direction of movement of the coated sheet and isprovided with a guide 114. As is best illustrated in FIGURE 12, theguide 114 includes a spacial coated sheet engaging insert 115.

Extending upwardly from the outer part of the guideway 112 is a bearingmember 116 in which there is rotatably journaled a drive shaft 117. Thedrive shaft 117 has mounted thereon a pitman wheel 118 to which there isconnected a pitman rod 119. The opposite end of the pitman 119 ispivotally connected to the carriage 113 by means of a fitting 120.

It is to be understood that the shaft 117 of each of the brakeassemblies 106 is to be driven from a suitable drive mechanism in timedrelation to the conveyor 8. As the coated sheet passes on to the sheetsupport plates 108 and moves into engagement with the guides 114, thecarriages 113 will be moved toward each other so that the guides 114will clampingly engage the side edges of the coated sheet so as toretard the movement thereof. As soon as the horizontal movement of thecoated sheet is discontinued, the guides 114 will move apart releasingthe coated sheet so that it may be easily lifted by the wicket 9.

In FIGURES 13, l4, l and 16 there is illustrated another form of centralbrake assembly which is referred to in general by the reference numeral121. The brake assembly 121 is secured to the frame of the sheet feeder6 including the channel frame member 24 and includes a frame referred toby the reference numeral 122. The frame 122 includes a pair oflongitudinal frame members 123 which are secured by means of spacers 124to the underside of the channel frame member 24. The rear ends of theframe member 123 are connected together by means of a transverse framemember 125 which in turn has connected thereto a rear vertical framemember 126. A supporting bracket 127 is carried by the upper end of thevertical frame member 126. Secured to the channel frame member 24 andthe supporting bracket 127 is a sheet support plate 128 which isgenerally triangular in outline and which constitutes a continuation ofthe plate 21.

Mounted on the frame members 123 is a pair of transversely alignedbearing blocks 129 in which there is journaled for rotation a shaft 130.Mounted on the shaft 130 is a drive sprocket 131 over which there isentrained a drive chain 132. The drive chain 132 will be connected to asuitable drive mechanism which is driven in timed relation to theoperation of the sheet feeder 6 and the conveyor 3. At this time it ispointed out that any suitable type of drive may be used, the drivevarying with the particular conditions and the equipment available.

Generally aligned with the bearing blocks 129 is a pair of guides 133 inthe form of bolts having reduced externally threaded upper ends 134which are threadedly engaged into internally threaded bores 135 formedin the plate 123. The guides 133 depend from the plate 128 and terminatein heads 136. Slidably mounted on the guides 133 are sleeves 137 carriedby a mounting plate 138, the sleeves 137 being in the form of bushingsreceived in other sleeves 139 rigidly secured to the plate 138 independing relation. The plate 138 is normally urged downwardly by meansof springs 140 carried by the guides 133 and extending between theunderside of the plate 128 and the upper ends of the sleeves 137.

Secured to the upper surface of the plate 138 is a plurality of suctionunits 141. Each suction unit 141 includes a base block 142 which isrigidly secured to the plate 138. The base block 142 has extendingtherethrough a bore 143 the upper part of which is internally threadedas at 144. A screw-type air nozzle 145 is threadedly engaged in the bore143 and serves to clamp in place a sheet engaging ring 146 which ispreferably formed of rubber or a rubber-like material so that thedesired seal between the ring 146 and a coated sheet may be obtained.The ring 146 fits in a support member 147 overlying the base 10 142. Theair nozzle has a bore 148 therethrough communicating with the bore 143.

As is best shown in FIGURE 13, the suction units 141 are arranged in tworows. Underlying each row of suction units 141 is a manifold 149 whichhas openings there in aligned with openings 150 in the plate 138, whichopenings 150 are in turn aligned with the bores 143. Connected to theforward ends of the manifolds 149 are air hoses 151 which are, in turn,connected to a control valve 152. As is best shown in FIGURE 14, thecontrol valve 152 is mounted on the channel frame member 24. The controlvalve 152 will have connected thereto a vacuum line (not shown).

The valve 152 includes an actuator 153 of the type which is operated bymeans of a lever 154. The lever 154 is disposed in depending relationand has the lower end thereof engaged by a spring assembly 155 whichnormally v urges the lever 154 to a valve closing position. The lever154 carries a roller-type follower 156 the purpose of which will bedescribed in more detail hereinafter.

Referring once again to FIGURE 16 in particular, it will be seen thatthere are keyed onto the shaft 130 a pair of disks 157 and 158.Adjustably carried by the disk 157 is a cam 159. A somewhat similar, butdifferently formed earn 160 is carried by the disk 158. The cams 1591and 1613 are adjustably mounted on their respective disks 157 and 158 bymeans of bolts 16-1 which pass through slots 162 in the disks 157 and158, as is best shown in FIGURE 14.

The earn 159 is aligned with a roller-type follower 163 carried by atransverse pin 164 supported by a pair of depending ears 165 on theunderside of the plate 138. The cam 159 is provided with a lobe 166which, when it engages the follower 163 will elevate the plate 138. Atthis time it is pointed out that the suction units 141 are aligned withopenings 167 in the plate 128. Normally the ring 146 is disposed eitherflush with or below the surface of the plate 128. As a coated sheetpasses on to the sheet support plate 128 and at such time as the leadingedge thereof clears the rearmost one of the suction units 141, the camlobe 16 6 will engage the follower 163 and elevate the suction units 141so that the rings 146 thereof will move into sealed engagement with theunderside of the coated sheet thereby providing the desired suction onthe coated sheet to decelerate the coated sheet.

At approximately the same time as the vacuum units 141 are elevated, alobe 16 3 of the earn 160 will engage the follower 156 and serve to openthe valve 152. This will apply a suction to the suction units 141 at thedesired time. As soon as the coated sheet stops in a position forengagement by the wicket E the valve 152 will again move to its closedposition and the suction units 141 will be retracted so as to releasethe coated sheet. Incidentally, by not elevating the suction units 141until after the coated sheet is in overlying relation thereto, damagingof the sealing rings 146 is prevented.

In FIGURES 17 and 18 there is discloseda side brake assembly which isreferred to in general by the reference numeral 169. The side brakeassembly 169 operates on the same principle as the brake assembly 121and includes a suitable supporting frame 171) on which there is mounteda sheet support plate 171. The sheet support plate 171 has associatedtherewith a plurality of suction units 172 which correspond to thesuction units 141. The suction units 172 are supported by means of agenerally triangular support plate 173 which corresponds to the supportplate 138. The suction units 172 are connected together by means of amanifold 174 which is, in turn, connected to a control valve 175 bymeans of a suction line 176. The control valve 175 corresponds to thecontrol valve 152. Carried by the frame is an actuating mechanism 177which will serve to elevate the suction units 172 in the proper timedsequence and at the same time open the control valve 175. Inasmuch asthe structural details of the operating components of the acerzaee l1brake assembly 169 are identical to those of the brake assembly 121,further description is believed to be unnecessary.

In FIGURES 19 through 23 there is illustrated another form of centralbrake assembly which is referred to in general by the reference numeral173. The brake assembly 178 is carried by the channel frame member 24and includes a frame 179. The frame 179 is substantially identical tothe frame 122 and includes a pair of longitudinal frame members 180which are connected at their forward ends by means of a spacer 181 tothe underside of the channel frame member 24. The rear ends of the framemembers 180 are connected together by a transverse frame member 182 towhich there is secured a vertical frame member 183. The upper end of thevertical frame member 133 is provided with a bracket 184 which, inconjunction with the channel frame member 24 forms a support for a sheetsupport plate 185. The sheet support plate 185 is a continuation of theplate 21.

As is best shown in FIGURE 21, the plate 185 is provided with a pair oftransversely aligned internally threaded inserts 186. Threadedly engagedin the inserts 186' are guide members 187 in the form of bolts havinglower heads 188. Mounted on the guide members 138 for vertical movementis a support plate 189. The support plate 189 has secured thereto independing relation sleeves 194) which carry bushings 191. The bushing191 of each sleeve 190 are aligned and receives its respective guide187.

Carried by the plate 189 adjacent opposite side edges thereof arepermanent magnet assemblies 192. Each magnet assembly 192 includes asupport 193 which is held in place by means of two diagonally oppositelydisposed bolts 194, the bolts 194 passing through the support 193 andbeing threadedly engaged in internally threaded inserts secured to theplate 189, the inserts being referred to by the reference numeral 195.Passing through the opposite corners of the support 193 are positioningstuds 1%. The studs 196 bear against the upper surface of the plate 189and are threadedly engaged in the support 193. Each of the studs 196 isprovided with a lock-nut 197. Seated in each of the supports 193 is apermanent magnet 198.

As is best shown in FIGURES 22 and 23, the plate 185 is provided with anopening 199 for each of the magnet assemblies 192. Normally the magnets198 are disposed flush with the upper surface of the plate 185. Themagnets 198 are held in this position by a support assembly which isbest illustrated in FIGURE 21 and is referred to in general by thereference numeral 2%.

The support assembly 290, as shown in FIGURE 21, includes a pair ofbearing blocks 291 which are transversely aligned and which haveextending therethrough a shaft 292. The shaft 202 has mounted at one endthereof a drive sprocket 263 over which there is entrained a suitabledrive chain 204 (FIGURE which will be connected to a suitable drive unitso as to drive the shaft 292 in timed relation to the operation of thesheet feeder 6 and the conveyor 8.

Keyed on the shaft 202 intermediate the bearing blocks 201 is a disk 265which had adjustably mounted thereon a cam 206. The cam 206 engages aroller-type follower 267 which is carried by a suitable support bracket268 depending from the plate 189. Springs 299 mounted around guides 187urge the follower 207 into engagement with the cam 206, thus the plate189 is supported at all times by the cam 296.

In the operation of the brake assembly 178, as the coated sheet passeson to the plate 185, it is attracted by the magnets 198 and decelerated.After the coated sheet has stopped, and is about to be engaged by one ofthe wickets 9, the plate 189 will be lowered so as to retract themagnets 198. This will diminish the magnetic attraction on the coatedsheet and permit the wicket 9'to lift the coated sheet off of th ofeffort.

In FIGURES 24, 25 and 26, there is illustrated another form of sidebrake assembly which is referred to in general by the reference numeral216. The brake assembly 210 is a companion brake assembly to the brakeassembly 178 and is intended to be used in conjunction therewith.However, it is to be understood that it may be used in conjunction withother types of brake assemblies, the side brake assemblies being usedinterchangeably with others of the central brake assemblies.

The brake assembly 210 includes a supporting frame 211 which suitablysupports a generally rectangular plate 212. The plate 212, as is bestillustrated in URES 24 and 26, has secured thereto in overlying relationan elongated inner strip 213, an intermediate strip 214 and an outerstrip 215, the outer strip 215 having connected thereto a vertical guide216. The guide 216 is intended to engage the side edge of a coated sheetto align it with the brake assembly 210. The strips 213, 214 and 215 aretransversely spaced and have downwardly and forwardly curved leadingends, as is best shown in FIGURE 25. The strip 215 and its guide 216 areadjustably secured to the plate 212 by means of brackets 217 which areadjustably secured in place by means of bolts 218.

The plate 212 and overlying portions of the strip 213 are provided withopenings 219 through which magnet assemblies 220 pass. The magnetassemblies 220 are identical to the magnet assemblies 192 and need notbe described in more detail.

The magnet assemblies 220 are mounted on a plate 221 which correspondsto the plate 189. The plate 221 is supported for guided verticalmovements on the plate 212 in the same manner as is the plate 189. Thissupport includes a pair of vertical guides 222 which are disposed insleeves 223 secured to the underside of the plate 221 in dependingrelation. Also secured to the underside of the plate 221 in dependingrelation is a bracket 224 which carries a roller-type follower 225.

Mounted on the frame 211 are bearing blocks 226 carrying a shaft 227which, in turn, has secured thereto a drive sprocket 228 over whichthere is entrained a drive chain 229. The drive chain 229 will be drivenin timed relation to the operation of the sheet feeder 6' and theconveyor 3. i

Keyed on the shaft 227 is a cam 230 which underlies the follower 225 andwhich, together with the follower 225, serves to support the plate 221.

it is to be understood that the magnet assemblies 220 will normallyproject up into the strip 213 and be substantially flush with the uppersurface of the strip 213. The magnet assemblies 220 will then serve todecelerate a coated sheet passing on to the brake assembly 210. Afterthe coated sheet has been stopped, the magnet assemblies 220 are loweredso as to reduce the magnetic attraction on the coated sheet in orderthat one of the wickets 9 may readily remove the coated sheet from thebrake assemblies 220.

As Was previously stated, any desired combination of the various brakeassemblies may be utilized. However, generally the side brake assemblieswill be identical with each other although they may be of entirelydifferent construction from the central brake assembly. Also, as pointedout above, either the side brake assembly or the central brake assemblymay be eliminated although for practical purposes each brake mechanismwill include a central brake assembly and two side brake assemblies.

While numerous examples of construction and arrangement of the novelfeatures of the invention are disclosed herein, it is to be understoodthat these features can be further variously modified without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appendedclaims.

13 I claim: I 1. In a mechanism for coating metal sheets of the typeincluding a coating machine and an oven, a sheet feeding mechanism forfeeding sheets between said coating machine and said oven, said sheetfeeding mechanism comprising a first conveyor for feeding sheets fromsaid coating machine in a horizontal path, a second conveyor forreceiving sheets from said first conveyor and feeding the sheets throughthe oven in generally upstanding positions, and a brake mechanismdisposed intermediate said first conveyor and said second conveyor forreceiving sheets from said first conveyor, stopping the horizontalmovement of the sheets and then releasing the sheets for movement bysaid second conveyor, said brake mechanism including a generallyhorizontal sheet support, individual brake elements of the sheetattractive type carried by said sheet support in a sheet attractingposition, and means for increasing the spacing between said brakeelements and an overlying sheet to render said brake elementsineffective in timed relation to the operation of said second conveyor.

2. In a mechanism for coating metal sheets of the type including acoating machine and an oven, a sheet feeding mechanism for feedingsheets between said coating machine and said oven, said sheet feedingmechanism comprising a first conveyor for feeding sheets from saidcoating machine in a horizontal path, a second conveyor for receivingsheets from said first conveyor and feeding the sheets through the ovenin generally upstanding positions, and a brake mechanism disposedintermediate said first conveyor and said second conveyor for receivingsheets from said first conveyor, stopping the horizontal movement of thesheets and then releasing the sheets for movement by said conveyor, saidbrake mechanism including a generally horizontal sheet support,individual brake elements of the sheet attractive type carried by saidsheet support in a sheet attracting position, said sheet supportincluding at least one sheet supporting plate, guide means mounting saidsupporting plate for upward movement away from associated ones of saidbrake elements, and means connected to said supporting plate forelevating said supporting plate in timed relation to the'operation ofsaid second conveyor whereby a sheet is released from said brakeelements at the time of engagement by said second conveyor.

3. In a mechanism for coating metal sheets of the type including acoating machine and an oven, a sheet feeding mechanism for feedingsheets between said coating machine and said oven, said sheet feedingmechanism comprising a first conveyor for feeding sheets from saidcoating machine in a horizontal path, a second conveyor for receivingsheets from said first conveyor and feeding the sheets through the ovenin generally upstanding positions, and a brake mechanism disposedintermediate said first conveyor and said second conveyor for receivingsheets from said first conveyor, stopping the horizontal movement of thesheets and then releasing the sheets for movement by said conveyor, saidbrake mechanism including a generally horizontal sheet support,individual brake elements of the sheet attractive type carried by saidsheet support in a sheet attracting position, a plurality of upwardlydirected nozzles opening through said sheet support adjacent said brakeelements, and means for supplying compressed air to said nozzles intimed relation to the operation of said second conveyor for overcomingthe force of said brake elements on a sheet.

4. in a mechanism for coating metal sheets of the type including acoating machine and an oven, a sheet feeding mechanism for feedingsheets between said coating machine and said oven, said sheet feedingmechanism comprising a'first conveyor for feeding sheets from saidcoating machine in a horizontal path, a second conveyor for receivingsheets from said first conveyor and feeding the sheets through the ovenin generally upstanding positions, and a brake mechanism disposedintermediate said first conveyor and said second conveyor for receivingsheets from said first conveyor, stopping the horizontal movement of thesheets and then releasing the sheets for movement by said secondconveyor, said brake mechanism including a generally horizontal sheetsupport, a support unit underlying said sheet support, a plurality ofindividual brake elements of the sheet attractive type carried by saidsupport unit, openings in said sheet support receiving said brakeelements, control means connected to said brake elements for firstrendering said brake elements operative in timed relation to the feedingof sheets onto said sheet support and then rendering said brake elementsineffective in timed relation to the operation of said second conveyor.

5. In a mechanism for coating metal sheets of the type including acoating machine and an oven, a sheet feeding mechanism for feedingsheets between said coating machine and said oven, said sheet feedingmechanism comprising a first conveyor for feeding sheets from saidc0ating machine in a horizontal path, a second conveyor for receivingsheets from said first conveyor and feeding the sheets through the ovenin generally upstanding positions, and a brake mechanism disposedintermediate said first conveyor and said second conveyor for receivingsheets from said first conveyor, stopping the horizontal movement of thesheets and then releasing the sheets for move ment by said secondconveyor, said brake mechanism including a generally horizontal sheetsupport, a support unit underlying said sheet support, a plurality ofindividual brake elements of the sheet attractive type carried by saidsupport unit, openings in said sheet support receiving said brakeelements, control means connected to said brake elements for firstrendering said brake elements operative in timed relation to the feedingof sheets onto said sheet support and then rendering said brake elementsineffective in timed relation to the operation of said second conveyor,and other control means connected to said support unit for lowering saidsupport unit and said brake elements in timed relation to the operationof said second conveyor.

6. In a mechanism for coating metal sheets of the type including acoating machine and an oven, a sheet feeding mechanism for feedingsheets between said coating machine and said oven, said sheet feedingmechanism comprising a first conveyor for feeding sheets from saidcoating machine in a horizontal path, a second conveyor for receivingsheets from said first conveyor and feeding the sheets through the ovenin generally upstanding positions, and a brake mechanism disposedintermediate said first conveyor and said second conveyor for receivingsheets from said first conveyor, stopping the horizontal movement of thesheets and then releasing the sheets for movement by said secondconveyor, said brake mechanism including a generally horizontal sheetsupport, a support unit underlying said sheet support, a plurality ofindividual brake elements of the sheet attractive type carried by saidsupport unit, openings in said sheet support receiving said brakeelements, said brake elements being in the form of vacuum cups, a vacuumline connected to said vacuum cups, a valve mounted in said vacuum line,control means connected to said valve for operating said valve to applya vacuum to said vacuum cups in timed relation to the feeding of sheetsonto said sheet support and then venting said vacuum cups to release thesheet in timed relation to the operation of said second conveyor.

7. In a mechanism for coating metal sheets of the type including acoating machine and an oven, a sheet feeding mechanism for feedingsheets between said coating machine and said oven, said sheet feedingmechanism comprising a first conveyor for feeding sheets from saidcoating machine in a horizontal path, a second conveyor for receivingsheets from said first conveyor and feeding the sheets through the ovenin generally upstanding positions, and a brake mechanism disposedintermediate said first conveyor and said second conveyor for receivingsheets from said first conveyor, stopping the horizontal move-,

ment of the shee and then releasing the sheets for movement by saidsecond conveyor, said brake mechanism in cluding a generally horizontalsheet support, a support unit underlying said sheet support, a pluralityof individual brake elements of the sheet attractive type carried bysaid support unit, openings in said sheet support receiving said brakeelements, said brake elements being in the form of vacuum cups, a vacuumline connected to said vacuum cups, a valve mounted in said vacuum line,control means connected to said valve for operating said valve to applya vacuum to said vacuum cups in timed relation to the feeding of sheetsonto said sheet support and then venting said vacuum cups to release thesheet in timed relation to the operation of said second conveyor, andother control means connected to said support unit for lowering saidsupport unit and said brake eiements in timed relation to the operationof said second conveyor.

8. In a mechanism for coating metal sheets of the type including acoating machine and an even, a sheet feeding echanism for feeding sheetsbetween said coating machine and said oven, said sheet feeding mechanismcomprising a first conveyor for feeding sheets from said coating machinein a horizontal path, a second conveyor for receiving sheets from saidfirst conveyor and feeding the sheets through the oven in generallyupstanding positions, and a brake mechanism disposed intermediate saidfirst conveyor and said second conveyor for receiving sheets from saidfirst conveyor, stopping the horizontal movement of the sheets and thenreleasing the sheets for movement by said second conveyor, said brakemechanism including a generally horizontal sheet support, individualbrake elements in the form of magnets seated in said sheet support insheet attracting positions, and means for increasing the spacing betweensaid brake elements and an overlying sheet to render said brake elementsineffective in timed relation to the operation of said second conveyor.

9. In a mechanism for coating metal sheets of the type including acoating machine and an oven, a sheet feeding mechanism for feedingsheets between said coating machine and said oven, said sheet feedingmechanism comprising a first conveyor for feeding sheets from saidcoating machine in a horizontal path, a second conveyor for receivingsheets from said first conveyor and feeding the sheets through the ovenin generally upstanding positions, and a brake mechanism disposedintermediate said first conveyor and said second conveyor for receivingsheets from said first conveyor, stopping the horizontal movement of thesheets and then releasing the sheets for movement by said secondconveyor, said brake mechanism including a generally horizontal sheetsupport, individual brake elements in the form of magnets seated in saidsheet support in sheet attracting positions, said sheet supportincluding at least one sheet supporting plate, guide means mounting saidsupporting plate for upward movement away from associated ones of saidbrake elements, and means connected to said supporting plate forelevating said supporting plate in timed relation to the operation ofsaid second conveyor whereby a sheet is released from said brakeelements at the time of engagement by said second conveyor,

10. in a mechanism for coating metals sheets of the type including acoating machine and an oven, a sheet feeding mechanism for feedingsheets between said coating machine and said oven, said sheet feedingmechanism comprising a first conveyor for feeding sheets from saidcoating machine in a horizontal path, a second conveyor for receivingsheets from said first conveyor and feeding the sheets through the ovenin generally upstanding positions, and a brake mechanism disposedintermediate said first conveyor and said second conveyor for receivingsheets from said first conveyor, stopping the horizontal movement of thesheets and then releasing the sheets for movement by said secondconveyor, said brake mechanism including a generally horizontal sheetsupport, individual brake elements in the form of magnets seated in saidsheet support in sheet attracting positions, a plurality of upwardlydirected nozzles opening through said sheet support adjacent said brakeelements, and means for supplying compressed air to said nozzles intimed relation to the operation of said second conveyor for overcomingthe force of said brake elements on a sheet.

11. In a mechanism for coating metal sheets of the type including acoating machine and an oven, a sheet feeding mechanism for feedingsheets between said coating machine and said oven, said sheet feedingmechanism comprising a first conveyor for feeding sheets from saidcoating machine in a horizontal path, a second conveyor for receivingsheets from said first conveyor and feeding the sheets through the ovenin generally upstanding positions, and a brake mechanism disposedintermediate said first conveyor and said second conveyor for receivingsheets from said first conveyor, stopping the horizontal movement of thesheets and then releasing the sheets for movement by said secondconveyor, said brake mechanism including a generally horizontal sheetsupport, a support unit underlying said sheet support, a plurality ofindividual brake elements in the form of magnets carried by said supportunit, means connected to said support unit for supporting and loweringsaid support unit and said brake elements in timed relation to theoperation of said second conveyor.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS1,150,302 Perkins et al Aug. 17, 1915 1,448,065 Harrich Mar. 13, 19231,810,859 Thurmer June 16, 1931 1,853,478 Vincent Apr. 12, 19322,186,566 Albright Jan. 9, 1940 2,568,073 Koppel Sept. 18, 19512,576,218 Fox Nov. 27, 1951 2,767,823 Beamish Oct. 23, 1956 2,821,286Russell Jan. 28, 1958 2,880,846 Schone Apr. 7, 1959 FOREIGN PATENTS122,142 Australia Sept. 12, 1946

